Afar Denakile Depression

Afar Denakile Depression There is very little rain.The Danakil Depression in Afar is one of the driest on the planet. And the hottest. The average temperature is 34-35C. And much of it is below sea level dipping to 116m below. So why go?

This area of desert and volcanic activity is the last place on earth anyone would want to live. But just to visit, people are in awe of the wonderful and strange geology that gives this area its allure.

The Danakil is ground zero for tectonic activity in Africa, a junction where the African, Arabian, and Somali plates merge. One-quarter of Africa’s active and dormant volcanoes are found here. The Erta Ale volcano range, which consists of seven active peaks is the most visited, and the Erta Ale peak is the most active volcano in Africa. It has been in a state of continuous eruption for more than 40 years and has a permanent lava lake.

Its low-lying areas were once fully submerged by an inland ocean. Lakes Asale and Afrera are what remain and the Afar people make a living slicing up the surface salt from dry lake beds. Camel caravans then transport the salt blocks to market in Mekelle and beyond.

Afar Vulcano Ethiopia Its low-lying areas were once fully submerged by an inland ocean. Lakes Asale and Afrera are what remain and the Afar people make a living slicing up the surface salt from dry lake beds. Camel caravans then transport the salt blocks to market in Mekelle and beyond.

Travelers make camp at Ahamedilla, the provincial capital of the Afar. Security in the area is tight. Groups travel in the Danakil Depression with a guide and one or two security officers. And in Ahamedilla, the Ethiopia military has a small base. The area near the border with Eritrea was considered dangerous during the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia and several years ago a British couple were kidnapped and later released. There have not been further incidences, but unlike the rest of Ethiopia which is very safe, you must exercise precaution in the Danakil.